When boyhood's fire was in my blood I read of ancient freemen For Greece and Rome who bravely stood Three hundred men and three men; And then I prayed I yet might see Our fetters rent in twain And Ireland long a province, be A Nation once again! A nation once again A nation once again And Ireland, long a province, be A Nation once again! And from that time, through wildest woe That hope has shown a far light Nor could love's brightest summer glow Outshine that solemn starlight; It seemed to watch above my head In forum, field and fame Its angel voice sang round my bed A Nation once again A nation once again A nation once again And Ireland, long a province, be A Nation once again! It whispered too, that freedom's ark And service high and holy Would be profaned by feeling dark And pa**ions vain or lowly; For, Freedom comes from God's right hand And needs a godly train; And righteous men must make our land A nation once again!